Camera System For With Velocity Sensor And De-Blurring Processor

ABSTRACT

A camera system for outputting deblurred still images includes a portable handheld camera device comprising an image sensor adapted to capture a still, image comprising at least one blurred pixel; a velocity detector adapted to determine the angular velocity of the camera system relative to an external environment and to produce an angular velocity output indicative thereof; a linear image sensor for sensing data provided on at least one encoded card inserted into the camera system, the at least one encoded card containing instructions for the manipulation of the blurred images; and a processor adapted to receive said image from said image sensor and said angular velocity output from said angular velocity detector and to process said blurred image under programme control determined from data sensed by the linear image sensor from the at least one encoded card, the programme control utilising the velocity output to deblur said at least one blurred pixel of said blurred image and to output said deblurred still image.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/499,806 filed Aug. 7, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/113,090 filed on Jul. 10, 1998, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,110,024, all of which is herein incorporated by reference.

The following Australian provisional patent applications are hereby incorporated by cross-reference. For the purposes of location and identification, US patent applications identified by their US patent application serial numbers (USSN) are listed alongside the Australian applications from which the US patent applications claim the right of priority.

Ink Jet Printing

A large number of new forms of ink jet printers have been developed to facilitate alternative ink jet technologies for the image processing and data distribution system. Various combinations of ink jet devices can be included in printer devices incorporated as part of the present invention. Australian Provisional Patent Applications relating to these ink jets which are specifically incorporated by cross reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application and Filing Number Filing Date Title Date PO8066 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,227,652 (IJ01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8072 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,213,588 (IJ02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8040 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,213,589 (IJ03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8071 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,231,163 (IJ04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8047 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,795 (IJ05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8035 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,394,581 (IJ06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8044 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,244,691 (IJ07) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8063 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,257,704 (IJ08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8057 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,416,168 (IJ09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8056 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,220,694 (IJ10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8069 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,257,705 (IJ11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8049 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,794 (IJ12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8036 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,234,610 (IJ13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8048 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,793 (IJ14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8070 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,264,306 (IJ15) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8067 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,241,342 (IJ16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8001 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,792 (IJ17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8038 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,264,307 (IJ18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8033 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,254,220 (IJ19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8002 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,234,611 (IJ20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8068 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,302,528) (IJ21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8062 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,283,582 (IJ22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8034 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,239,821 (IJ23) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8039 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,338,547 (IJ24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8041 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,796 (IJ25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8004 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,557,977 (IJ26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8037 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,390,603 (IJ27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8043 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,362,843 (IJ28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8042 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,293,653 (IJ29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8064 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,312,107 (IJ30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9389 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,227,653 (IJ31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9391 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,234,609 (IJ32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0888 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,238,040 (IJ33) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0891 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,188,415 (IJ34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,227,654 (IJ35) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0873 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,209,989 (IJ36) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0993 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,791 (IJ37) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,336,710 (IJ38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1398 19-Jan-98 An Image Creation Method and 6,217,153 Apparatus (IJ39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2592 25-Mar-98 An Image Creation Method and 6,416,167 Apparatus (IJ40) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2593 25-Mar-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,243,113 (IJ41) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3991 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,283,581 (IJ42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3987 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,247,790 (IJ43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3985 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,260,953 (IJ44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3983 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,267,469 (IJ45) (Jul. 10, 1998)

Ink Jet Manufacturing

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor fabrication techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable manufacturing techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Filing Application and Filing Number Date Title Date PO7935 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,224,780 Creation Apparatus (IJM01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7936 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,212 Creation Apparatus (IJM02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7937 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,280,643 Creation Apparatus (IJM03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8061 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,284,147 Creation Apparatus (IJM04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8054 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,214,244 Creation Apparatus (IJM05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8065 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,071,750 Creation Apparatus (IJM06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8055 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,267,905 Creation Apparatus (IJM07) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8053 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,251,298 Creation Apparatus (IJM08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8078 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,285 Creation Apparatus (IJM09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7933 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,225,138 Creation Apparatus (IJM10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7950 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,904 Creation Apparatus (IJM11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7949 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,299,786 Creation Apparatus (IJM12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8060 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 09/113,124 Creation Apparatus (IJM13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8059 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,773 Creation Apparatus (IJM14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8073 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,190,931 Creation Apparatus (IJM15) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8076 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,248,249 Creation Apparatus (IJM16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8075 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,290,862 Creation Apparatus (IJM17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8079 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,906 Creation Apparatus (IJM18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8050 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,565,762 Creation Apparatus (IJM19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8052 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,905 Creation Apparatus (IJM20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7948 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,451,216 Creation Apparatus (IJM21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7951 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,772 Creation Apparatus (IJM22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8074 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,274,056 Creation Apparatus (IJM23) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7941 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,290,861 Creation Apparatus (IJM24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8077 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,248,248 Creation Apparatus (IJM25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8058 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,306,671 Creation Apparatus (IJM26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8051 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,331,258 Creation Apparatus (IJM27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8045 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,110,754 Creation Apparatus (IJM28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7952 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,294,101 Creation Apparatus (IJM29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8046 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,416,679 Creation Apparatus (IJM30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8503 11-Aug-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,264,849 Creation Apparatus (IJM30a) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9390 23-Sep-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,254,793 Creation Apparatus (IJM31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9392 23-Sep-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,211 Creation Apparatus (IJM32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0889 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,211 Creation Apparatus (IJM35) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,264,850 Creation Apparatus (IJM36) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0882 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,284 Creation Apparatus (IJM37) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0874 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,284 Creation Apparatus (IJM38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1396 19-Jan-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,228,668 Creation Apparatus (IJM39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2591 25-Mar-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,180,427 Creation Apparatus (IJM41) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3989 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,171,875 Creation Apparatus (IJM40) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3990 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,267,904 Creation Apparatus (IJM42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3986 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,245,247 Creation Apparatus (IJM43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3984 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,245,247 Creation Apparatus (IJM44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3982 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,148 Creation Apparatus (IJM45) (Jul. 10, 1998)

Fluid Supply

Further, the present application may utilize an ink delivery system to the ink jet head. Delivery systems relating to the supply of ink to a series of ink jet nozzles are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Filing Application Number Date Title and Filing Date PO8003 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and 6,350,023 Apparatus (F1) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8005 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and 6,318,849 Apparatus (F2) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9404 23-Sep-97 A Device and Method (F3) 09/113,101 (Jul. 10, 1998)

MEMS Technology

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor microelectromechanical techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable microelectromechanical techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date PO7943 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS01) PO8006 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS02) 6,087,638 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8007 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS03) 09/113,093 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8008 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS04) 6,340,222 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8010 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS05) 6,041,600 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8011 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS06) 6,299,300 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7947 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS07) 6,067,797 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7945 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS08) Not filed PO7944 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS09) 6,286,935 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7946 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS10) 6,044,646 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9393 23-Sep-97 A Device and Method 09/113,065 (MEMS11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0875 12-Dec-97 A Device (MEMS12) 09/113,078 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0894 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method 09/113,075 (MEMS13) (Jul. 10, 1998)

IR Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of a disposable camera system such as those described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

US Australian Patent/Patent Provisional Filing Application Number Date Title and Filing Date PP0895 12-Dec-97 An Image Creation Method 6,231,148 and Apparatus (IR01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0870 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR02) 09/113,106 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0869 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR04) 6,293,658 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,614,560 Apparatus (IR05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0885 12-Dec-97 An Image Production System 6,238,033 (IR06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0884 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,312,070 Apparatus (IR10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0886 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,238,111 Apparatus (IR12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0871 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR13) 09/113,086 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0876 12-Dec-97 An Image Processing Method 09/113,094 and Apparatus (IR14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0877 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR16) 6,378,970 (Jul. 10, 1998 PP0878 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR17) 6,196,739 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0879 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR18) 09/112,774 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0883 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR19) 6,270,182 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0880 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR20) 6,152,619 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0881 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR21) 09/113,092 (Jul. 10, 1998)

DotCard Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of a data distribution system such as that described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

US Australian Patent/Patent Provisional Filing Application Number Date Title and Filing Date PP2370 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method and 09/112,781 Apparatus (Dot01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2371 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method and 09/113,052 Apparatus (Dot02) (Jul. 10, 1998

Artcam Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of camera and data processing techniques such as an Artcam type device as described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

US Australian Patent/Patent Provisional Filing Application Number Date Title and Filing Date PO7991 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,060 Apparatus (ART01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7988 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,476,863 Apparatus (ART02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7993 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,073 Apparatus (ART03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9395 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,322,181 Apparatus (ART04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8017 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,597,817 Apparatus (ART06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8014 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART07) 6,227,648 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8025 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,750 Apparatus (ART08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8032 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,690,419 Apparatus (ART09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7999 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,743 Apparatus (ART10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7998 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,742 Apparatus (ART11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8031 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,741 Apparatus (ART12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8030 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART13) 6,196,541 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7997 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART15) 6,195,150 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7979 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART16) 6,362,868 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8015 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART17) 09/112,738 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7978 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART18) 09/113,067 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7982 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,431,669 Apparatus (ART19) (Jul. 10, 1998 PO7989 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,362,869 Apparatus (ART20) (Jul. 10, 1998 PO8019 15-Jul-97 Media Processing Method and 6,472,052 Apparatus (ART21) (Jul. 10, 1998 PO7980 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,356,715 Apparatus (ART22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8018 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,777 Apparatus (ART24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7938 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,636,216 Apparatus (ART25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8016 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,366,693 Apparatus (ART26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8024 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,329,990 Apparatus (ART27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7940 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,072 Apparatus (ART28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7939 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,459,495 Apparatus (ART29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8501 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,137,500 Apparatus (ART30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8500 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,690,416 Apparatus (ART31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7987 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,071 Apparatus (ART32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8022 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,398,328 Apparatus (ART33) (Jul. 10, 1998 PO8497 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,090 Apparatus (ART34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8020 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,431,704 Apparatus (ART38) (Jul. 10, 1998 PO8023 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,222 Apparatus (ART39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8504 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,786 Apparatus (ART42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8000 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,415,054 Apparatus (ART43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7977 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/112,782 Apparatus (ART44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7934 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,665,454 Apparatus (ART45) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7990 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,059 Apparatus (ART46) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8499 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,486,886 Apparatus (ART47) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8502 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,381,361 Apparatus (ART48) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7981 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,317,192 Apparatus (ART50) (Jul. 10, 1998 PO7986 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,057 Apparatus (ART51) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7983 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,054 Apparatus (ART52) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8026 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,646,757 Apparatus (ART53) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8027 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,759 Apparatus (ART54) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8028 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,624,848 Apparatus (ART56) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9394 23-Sep-97 Image Processing Method and 6,357,135 Apparatus (ART57) (Jul. 10, 1998 PO9396 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,107 Apparatus (ART58) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9397 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,271,931 Apparatus (ART59) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9398 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,353,772 Apparatus (ART60) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9399 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,106,147 Apparatus (ART61) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9400 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,665,008 Apparatus (ART62) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9401 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,304,291 Apparatus (ART63) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9402 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 09/112,788 Apparatus (ART64) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9403 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,305,770 Apparatus (ART65) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9405 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,289,262 Apparatus (ART66) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0959 16-Dec-97 A Data Processing Method 6,315,200 and Apparatus (ART68) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1397 19-Jan-98 A Media Device (ART69) 6,217,165 (Jul. 10, 1998)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to digital image processing and in particular discloses A Camera System Having Motion Deblurring Means.

Further the present invention relates to the field of digital image cameras and in particular discloses a camera system having motion blur compensating means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motion blur in the taking of images is a common significant problem. The motion blur normally occurs as a result of movement of the camera while taking the picture or otherwise as a result of movement of objects within an image.

As a result of motion blur, it is often the case that the image taken is non optimal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a camera system for outputting deblurred still images includes a portable handheld camera device comprising an image sensor adapted to capture a still, image comprising at least one blurred pixel; a velocity detector adapted to determine the angular velocity of the camera system relative to an external environment and to produce an angular velocity output indicative thereof; a linear image sensor for sensing data provided on at least one encoded card inserted into the camera system, the at least one encoded card containing instructions for the manipulation of the blurred images; and a processor adapted to receive said image from said image sensor and said angular velocity output from said angular velocity detector and to process said blurred image under programme control determined from data sensed by the linear image sensor from the at least one encoded card, the programme control utilising the velocity output to deblur said at least one blurred pixel of said blurred image and to output said deblurred still image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic implementation of the preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the main Artcam electronic components (as reproduced from FIG. 2 of Australian Provisional Patent Application No. P07991).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. P07991, the camera system incorporates an Artcard linear sensor 34 which converts the Artcard data image to electrical signals, which are communicated to the ACP. The linear image sensor is illustrated in FIG. 2, which is a reproduction of FIG. 2 of Australian Provisional Patent Application No. P07991. The linear image sensor can be fabricated using either CCD or APS CMOS technology. The active length of the linear image sensor is 50 mm, equal to the width of the data array on the Artcard. To satisfy Nyquist's sampling theorem, the resolution of the linear image sensor must be at least twice the highest spatial frequency of the Artcard optical image reaching the linear image sensor. In practice, data detection is easier if the linear image sensor resolution is substantially above this. A resolution of 4800 dpi (189 dpmm) is chosen, giving a total of 9,450 pixels. This resolution requires a pixel sensor pitch of 5.3 [mu]m. This can readily be achieved by using four staggered rows of 20 [mu]m pixel sensors.

The linear image sensor is mounted in a special package which includes an LED to illuminate the Artcard via a light-pipe.

The Artcard reader light-pipe can be a molded light-pipe which has several functions:

1. It diffuses the light from the LED over the width of the card using total internal reflection facets.

2. It focuses the light onto a 16 μm wide strip of the Artcard using an integrated cylindrical lens.

3. It focuses light reflected from the Artcard onto the linear image sensor pixels using a molded array of microlenses.

The preferred embodiment is preferably implemented through suitable programming of a hand held camera device such as that described in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. P07991 filed 15 Jul., 1997 entitled “Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART01)”, in addition to Australian Provisional Patent Application entitled “Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART01a)” filed concurrently herewith by the present applicant, the content of which is hereby specifically incorporated by cross reference.

The aforementioned patent specifications disclose a camera system, hereinafter known as an “Artcam” type camera, wherein sensed images can be directly printed out by an internal Artcam portable camera unit. Further, the aforementioned specification discloses means and methods for performing various manipulations on images captured by the camera sensing device leading to the production of various effects in any output image. The manipulations are disclosed to be highly flexible in nature and can be implemented through the insertion into the Artcam of cards having encoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of images, the cards hereinafter being known as “Artcards”. The Artcam further has significant onboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit (ACP) which is interconnected to a memory device for the storage of important data and images.

In the preferred embodiment, the Artcam device is modified so as to include a two dimensional motion sensor. The motion sensor can comprise a small micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) device or other suitable device able to detect motion in two axes. The motion sensor can be mounted on the camera device and its output monitored by the Artcam central processor device which is disclosed in the afore-mentioned patent specifications.

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a schematic of the preferred arrangement of the preferred embodiment. The accelerometer 1 outputs to the Artcard processor 2 which also receives the blurred sensed image from the CCD device. The Artcard processor 2 utilises the accelerometer readings so as to determine a likely angular velocity of the camera when the picture was taken. This velocity factor is then utilised by a suitably programmed Artcard processor 2 to apply a deblurring function to the blurred sensed image 3 thereby outputting a deblurred output image 4. The programming of the Artcard processor 2 so as to perform the deblurring can utilise standard algorithms known to those skilled in the art of computer programming and digital image restoration. For example, reference is made to the “Selected Papers on Digital Image Restoration”, M. Ibrahim Sezan, Editor, SPIE Milestone series, volume 74, and in particular the reprinted paper at pages 167-175 thereof. Further, simplified techniques are shown in the “Image Processing Handbook”, second edition, by John C. Russ, published by CRC Press at pages 336-341 thereof.

It would be therefore obvious to the person skilled in the art that many different techniques for motion blur removal can be utilised in the preferred embodiment. Additionally, other forms of motion sensors may be provided. Once the input image has been deblurred, the image is then able to be printed out by the Artcam device in accordance with the techniques as discussed in the afore-mentioned patent specification.

It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. 

1. A camera system for outputting deblurred still images, said system comprising: a portable handheld camera device comprising an image sensor adapted to capture a still, image comprising at least one blurred pixel; a velocity detector adapted to determine the angular velocity of the camera system relative to an external environment and to produce an angular velocity output indicative thereof; a linear image sensor for sensing data provided on at least one encoded card inserted into the camera system, the at least one encoded card containing instructions for the manipulation of the blurred images; and a processor adapted to receive said image from said image sensor and said angular velocity output from said angular velocity detector and to process said blurred image under programme control determined from data sensed by the linear image sensor from the at least one encoded card, the programme control utilising the velocity output to deblur said at least one blurred pixel of said blurred image and to output said deblurred still image.
 2. A camera system according to claim 1, wherein the velocity detector includes a two dimensional motion sensor for detecting motion along two axes.
 3. A camera system according to claim 1, wherein the linear image sensor includes an LED for illuminating the at least one encoded card via a light-pipe, and a molded array of microlenses for focusing light reflected from the at least one encoded card. 